Our Biblical Resources Group recently finished 2 papers on “The Coming Millennial Kingdom.” In those papers, we contend that this will be a literal kingdom ruled by Christ on planet earth.
Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost explained the need for a literal millennial kingdom on earth: “Apart from the reign of Christ…here on earth…And apart from this rule, God’s purpose for man would never be brought to conclusion. God’s purpose for the earth would be unrealized and the problem generated by Satan’s rebellion would never be resolved. Thus, the physical, literal reign of Christ on the earth is a theological and biblical necessity—unless Satan is victorious over God.”
Why should students of God’s Word expect to see a literal millennial kingdom with Christ reigning on planet earth? To understand God’s Word, we must apply sound principles of Bible interpretation. We must use the tool of consistent, literal, historical-grammatical hermeneutics to arrive at a solid understanding of the text of Scripture. David L. Cooper explained the meaning of literal interpretation this way: “When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise.”
The Old Testament prophets wrote extensively about the future kingdom. Those promises of a future kingdom when understood using the plain sense of Scripture demand a literal fulfillment.
It has been estimated that 25% to 30% of Scripture was prophetic at the time it was written. Of those prophetic passages in God’s Word, approximately 80% were literally fulfilled at Christ’s first coming. Some Bible teachers would have us believe that the remaining 20% are being fulfilled spiritually or allegorically today. But that is problematic for several reasons.
In the Old Testament false prophets were exposed by the outcome of their prophecies. If their predictions were not literally fulfilled, they were to be stoned to death (Deut. 18:20-22). Allowing for the allegorical method of interpretation would violate the Old Testament test of a false prophet. How could a false prophet be identified if allegorical interpretation were allowed?
In the Old Testament, God staked His reputation on the literal fulfillment of His Word (Is. 42:8-9; Ezk. 37:6, 13-14; Joel 2:27). Allegorical interpretation would undermine God’s reputation.
Since 80% of prophetic passages were fulfilled literally at Christ’s first coming, then why not expect the remaining 20% to also be fulfilled literally? Why would God change the way He would have us understand His Word? Personally, I do not see any reason for God to change horses in midstream with regard to Bible prophecy.
Blessings,
Bob
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Justin Martyr (ca. 100-160 A.D.)
But I and every other completely orthodox Christian feel certain that there will be a resurrection of the flesh, followed by a thousand years in the rebuilt, embellished, and enlarged city of Jerusalem as was announced by the prophets Ezekiel, Isaiah, and the others.
